Wauchope High School students, Tyler Mathews, Jordan Relf and Piper Theofanou took part. Tyler outlined the attributes of the fourth Industrial Revolution, with not many being familiar with the concept. It concerns the new technologies we deal with today, from robots to genetic manipulation.

Jordan spoke about he intensity of gender inequality and the statistics behind it, from extremes of gender pay gap to violence against women. She also outlined what many women are facing in society today and why there is a bias about women in leadership, reflected in the fact that female referees in the National Rugby League competition were related to be linesmen for the semi-final.

Piper spoke about the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health issues, and of her personal journey which was both moving and motivating.

"Each student represented the high school and their teachers proudly, speaking on a range of topics," said Wauchope Rotary president, George Campbell.

The Toast Masters adjudicators, Gayle de Faveri, Gayle Costigan and Letitia Kimmorley were impressed with the deep knowledge and enthusiasm of the speakers. Piper Theofanou was announced as the winner.

Piper will now progress through to the local cluster final consisting of the finalists from three Port Macquarie Clubs, Laurieton and Wauchope. The successful applicant at the cluster level will progress through to District.

Wauchope Rotary wish Piper all the best.

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